Multi-belt conveyor system with removable cartridges

ABSTRACT

A multi-belt conveyor is described. The multi-belt conveyor comprises a base assembly comprising a base frame that extends along a length of the multi-belt conveyor. Further, the multi-belt conveyor comprises a conveyor bed having a plurality of cartridges positioned adjacently to each other and mounted to the base frame. In this regard, each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges comprises a set of conveyor belts configured to move in a direction along the conveyor bed at a defined speed. Further, in accordance with example embodiments, a cartridge of the plurality of cartridges is configured to be removed from the conveyor bed without removing an adjacent cartridge from the plurality of cartridges. Further, each cartridge of the multi-belt conveyor comprises an actuation assembly comprising: a drive pulley, a roller-slider bed comprising a plurality of rollers, and the set of conveyor belts mounted around the roller-slider bed and the drive pulley.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 16/528,987 filed on Aug. 1, 2019 entitled “AMULTI-BELT CONVEYOR SYSTEM WITH REMOVABLE CARTRIDGES, the entirety ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Example embodiments described herein relate generally to a multi-beltconveyor system, and, more particularly, to a multi-belt conveyor systemcomprising removable cartridges.

BACKGROUND

Generally, in material handling environments, a material handling systemcan convey, handle, sort, and organize various type of items (e.g.cartons, cases, containers, shipment boxes, totes, packages, polybags,jiffy packaging, and/or the like) at high speeds. Depending on aconfiguration of a material handling system, the items may travelthrough the material handling environment in an unregulated manner ormay be repositioned, reoriented, and/or consolidated into a singlestream of items, as the items move on conveyors. Typically, in suchmaterial handling environments, it is often desired to create gapsbetween items, as the items are being conveyed on a conveyor bed of aconveyor. Establishing a correct gap between items within a continuouslyflowing train of items on the conveyor has associated challenges.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed material handling system.This summary is not an extensive overview and is intended to neitheridentify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of suchelements. Its purpose is to present some concepts of the describedfeatures in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented later.

Various example embodiments described herein relates to a multi-beltconveyor comprising a base assembly that can comprise a base frame thatextends along a length of the multi-belt conveyor. Further, themulti-belt conveyor can comprise a conveyor bed having a plurality ofcartridges positioned adjacent to each other and mounted to the baseframe. In this regard, each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges cancomprise a set of conveyor belts configured to move in a direction alongthe conveyor bed at a defined speed. Further, in accordance with someexample embodiments, a cartridge of the plurality of cartridges can beconfigured to be removed from the conveyor bed without removing anadjacent cartridge from the plurality of cartridges.

In some example embodiments, each cartridge of the multi-belt conveyorcan comprise an actuation assembly comprising a drive pulley that may berotated about an axis. Further, each cartridge comprises: aroller-slider bed that can comprise a plurality of rollers that can berotated by the actuation assembly and the set of conveyor belts mountedaround the roller-slider bed and the drive pulley. In this regard, theset of conveyor belts can be configured to move over the roller-sliderbed in response to rotation of the drive pulley and the plurality ofrollers.

According to said example embodiments, the actuation assembly canfurther comprise a sprocket wheel that can be mechanically coupled to aball bearing and a shaft of the drive pulley. The sprocket wheel can beconfigured to be rotated by actuation of the actuation assembly. In thisaspect, actuation of the actuation assembly can comprise: a movement ofa timing belt mounted around the sprocket wheel to cause rotation of thesprocket wheel, the ball bearing, and the shaft of the drive pulley. Insome example embodiments, the actuation assembly can be actuated by adrive motor mounted to the base frame. In this regard, in accordancewith said example embodiments, the timing belt can be mounted around thesprocket wheel of the cartridge and a sprocket comprising a bushingmechanically coupled to a shaft of the drive motor.

According to some example embodiments, the plurality of cartridges ofthe multi-belt conveyor can comprise: a first cartridge that can beremovably mounted to the base frame and a second cartridge that can beremovably mounted to the base frame. The first cartridge can comprise: afirst actuation assembly that can comprise at least a first drivepulley, a first roller-slider bed comprising a first set of rollers thatcan be rotated by the first actuation assembly, and a first set ofconveyor belts mounted around the first roller-slider bed and the firstdrive pulley. In this regard, the first set of conveyor belts can bemoved in response to rotation of the first set of rollers and the firstdrive pulley of the first actuation assembly. In accordance with saidexample embodiments, the second cartridge can comprise: a secondactuation assembly comprising at least a second drive pulley, a secondroller-slider bed comprising a second set of rollers that can be rotatedby the actuation assembly, and a second set of conveyor belts mountedaround the second roller-slider bed and the second drive pulley. Inaccordance with said example embodiments, the first set of conveyorbelts can be configured to be moved over the first set of the rollers ata first speed and the second set of the conveyor belts can be configuredto be moved over the second set of rollers at a second speed differentfrom the first speed, to create a gap between items on the conveyor bedof the multi-bed conveyor.

In accordance with some example embodiments, each cartridge can comprisea cartridge frame defined by a cartridge frame top and a cartridge framebase. In this regard, the cartridge frame base can be mechanicallycoupled to the cartridge frame top by a spring pin and a nut and boltassembly. The cartridge frame base can be defined at an angle relativeto the cartridge frame top. Further, each cartridge can also comprise amachined cross member comprising a groove configured to supportpositioning of the plurality of rollers of the roller-slider bed on themachined cross member. The machined cross member can be configured toengage with the cartridge frame top.

In some example embodiments, the cartridge can be configured to beremovably mounted over the base assembly by: (i) positioning thecartridge over the base assembly so that the cartridge frame base ispositioned in a defined orientation over a portion of the base frame,(ii) engaging the cartridge frame base with the base frame by a nut andbolt assembly; and (iii) engaging a T-bolt between the cartridge andanother cartridge positioned adjacently to the cartridge.

According to some example embodiments, the multi-belt conveyor cancomprise a plurality of T bolts. In this regard, each T bolt can beconfigured to engage cartridge frame tops of two adjacently positionedcartridges of the plurality of cartridges.

In some example embodiments, the base assembly of the multi-beltconveyor can comprise a drive motor mounted to the base frame. The drivemotor can comprise a shaft that may pass through at least a portion ofthe base frame. Further, the base assembly can comprise a sprocketcomprising a bushing mechanically coupled to the shaft of the drivemotor and a tensioning plate that may be positioned between the sprocketand the base frame. In some examples, the tensioning plate can comprisea plurality of slots configured to receive a plurality of front facebolts to engage the tensioning plate on the base frame.

According to some example embodiments a cartridge of the plurality ofthe cartridges of the multi-belt conveyor can be configured to control aposition of the cartridge frame base to a conveying surface defined bythe conveyor bed based on engagement of the cartridge frame top with thecartridge frame base and the base frame, and engagement of the cartridgeframe top with the machined cross member.

In some example embodiments, the cartridge can comprise a conveyor belttensioning assembly that can comprise a first tensioning plate and afirst tensioning bolt. The conveyor belt tensioning assembly can beconfigured to adjust a tension of the set of conveyor belts mountedaround the drive pulley and the roller-slider bed. Further, in saidexample embodiments, the base assembly can comprise a timing belttensioning assembly that can comprise a second tensioning plate and asecond tensioning nut. The timing belt tensioning assembly can beconfigured to adjust a tension of the timing belt mounted around thesprocket wheel of the cartridge and the sprocket wheel having thebushing at the base assembly.

Some example embodiments described herein relates to a cartridge of amulti-belt conveyor. The cartridge can comprise an actuation assemblythat can comprise at least a drive pulley configured to be rotated aboutan axis. Further, the cartridge can comprise a roller-slider bedcomprising a plurality of rollers that can be rotated by the actuationassembly. The cartridge can further comprise a set of conveyor beltsmounted around the roller-slider bed and the drive pulley and configuredto move over the roller-slider bed in response to rotation of the drivepulley and the plurality of rollers. In accordance with said exampleembodiments, the cartridge can further comprises a cartridge framecomprising a cartridge frame base that can be removably mounted in asection of a conveyor bed defined by the multi-bed conveyor.

In some example embodiments, the cartridge can be removably mounted to abase frame of the multi-belt conveyor comprising the conveyor beddefined by a plurality of conveyor belts. In this regard, each conveyorbelt of the plurality of conveyor belts can be configured to operate ina direction along the conveyor bed at one of: a same speed or at adifferent speed, or a at same acceleration or at a differentacceleration or at a same deacceleration or at a differentdeacceleration, at which remaining conveyor belts of the plurality ofconveyor belts of respective cartridges are to be operated.

In some example embodiments, the cartridge can further comprise acartridge frame top. In this regard, the cartridge can be configured tobe removably mounted to a base assembly of the multi-belt conveyor by:(i) positioning the cartridge over a base frame of the base assembly sothat the cartridge frame base is positioned at in a defined orientationover a portion of the base frame, (ii) engaging the cartridge frame basewith the base frame by a nut and bolt assembly, and (iii) engaging aT-bolt between the cartridge frame top of the cartridge and anothercartridge frame top of another cartridge positioned adjacently to thecartridge on the multi-belt conveyor.

In some example embodiments, the actuation assembly of the cartridge cancomprise a sprocket wheel. The sprocket wheel can be mechanicallycoupled to a ball bearing and a shaft of the drive pulley. The sprocketwheel can be configured to be rotated by actuation of the actuationassembly which can comprise: movement of a timing belt mounted aroundthe sprocket wheel to cause rotation of the sprocket wheel, the ballbearing, and the shaft of the drive pulley.

In some example embodiments, the cartridge can be removably mounted inthe section of the multi-belt conveyor based on engagement of thecartridge frame base with the base frame. In this regard, the cartridgecan be mounted in the section of the multi-belt conveyor so that theroller-slider bed defined by the plurality of rollers of the cartridgecan align with a conveying surface defined by the conveyor bed of themulti-belt conveyor.

In some example embodiments, the cartridge can further comprise aconveyor belt tensioning assembly. The conveyor belt tensioning assemblycan comprise a tensioning plate and tensioning bolt that can beconfigured to adjust a tension of the set of conveyor belts mountedaround the drive pulley and the roller-slider bed.

Some example embodiments described herein relates to a method forconfiguring a multi-belt conveyor. The method can comprise positioning acartridge over a base frame of a multi-belt conveyor. In this regard,the cartridge can comprise: a roller-slider bed comprising a pluralityof rollers, at least a drive pulley configured to be rotated about anaxis, and a set of conveyor belts mounted around the roller-slider bedand the drive pulley. The set of conveyor belts can be configured tomove over the roller-slider bed in response to rotation of the drivepulley and the plurality of rollers. The method can further comprisemounting the cartridge over the base frame of the multi-belt conveyor byan engagement of a cartridge frame base of the cartridge with a sectionof the base frame. Further, the method can comprise installing a timingbelt between the cartridge and the base frame to mechanically couple thedrive pulley of the cartridge with a shaft of a drive motor of themulti-belt conveyor.

In some example embodiments, the method further comprises, removing thecartridge mounted to the base frame of the multi-belt conveyor by: (i)un-fastening front facing bolts to loosen engagement of a tensioningplate through which the drive motor of the multi-belt conveyor ismounted to the base frame, (ii) loosening a tension of the timing beltmounted around a sprocket wheel of the cartridge and a sprocketcomprising a bushing that can be mechanically coupled to a shaft of thedrive motor, (iii) disengaging a nut and bolt assembly that engages thecartridge frame base with the section of the base frame, and (iv)un-mounting the cartridge from the base frame of the conveyor.

According to said example embodiments, the cartridge can comprise acartridge frame top defined at an angle with the cartridge frame base.In this regard, the cartridge frame base can be positioned at in adefined orientation to mate with the section of the base frame andengage with the base frame, via a nut and bolt assembly. Further, thecartridge can also comprise, a machined cross member comprising a grooveconfigured to support positioning of the plurality of rollers of theroller-slider bed on the machined cross member. The machined crossmember can be configured to engage with the cartridge frame top.

The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing someexample embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects ofthe disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that theabove-described embodiments are merely examples and should not beconstrued to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Itwill be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure encompasses manypotential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some ofwhich will be further described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read inconjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated thatfor simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in thefigures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, thedimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to otherelements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosureare shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-belt conveyorcomprising a plurality of cartridges, in accordance with some exampleembodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of the multi-belt conveyordepicting an assembly of the plurality of cartridges, in accordance withsome example embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the multi-belt conveyor comprising theplurality of cartridges disposed adjacently to each other, in accordancewith some example embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the multi-belt conveyor depictinga cartridge of the plurality of cartridges un-mounted from a baseassembly of the multi-belt conveyor, in accordance with some exampleembodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the multi-belt conveyor depicting acartridge of the plurality of cartridges un-mounted from a base assemblyof the multi-belt conveyor, in accordance with some example embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of acartridge, in accordance with some example embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart representing a method for mounting acartridge of a multi-belt conveyor, in accordance with some exampleembodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichsome, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, thedisclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicablelegal requirements. The terms “or” and “optionally” are used herein inboth the alternative and conjunctive sense, unless otherwise indicated.The terms “illustrative” and “exemplary” are used to be examples with noindication of quality level. Like numbers refer to like elementsthroughout.

The components illustrated in the figures represent components that mayor may not be present in various embodiments of the disclosure describedherein such that embodiments may comprise fewer or more components thanthose shown in the figures while not departing from the scope of thedisclosure.

Turning now to the drawings, the detailed description set forth below inconnection with the appended drawings is intended as a description ofvarious configurations and is not intended to represent the onlyconfigurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced.The detailed description comprises specific details for the purpose ofproviding a thorough understanding of various concepts with likenumerals denote like components throughout the several views. However,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts maybe practiced without these specific details.

In material handling systems, usually, large quantities of items (suchas boxes, parcels, packages, cartons, cases, containers, shipment boxes,totes, polybags, jiffy packages, and/or the like) or varying sizes canbe inducted on a conveyor, as a disordered stream of items. It is oftendesired to create space or gapping between items, as the items areconveyed on the conveyor, in order to singulate individual items fromthe stream and further perform operations like, but not limited to,sorting. In such systems, it can be important to control a spacing, orgap, between a tail end of a leading item and a head end of a trailingitem. Also, it may be desired to align product to a positional pointlike a pusher's leading edge for operation by the pusher. For instance,in some examples, if gaps created between the items are much bigger,throughput of conveying the items on the conveyor can be decreased,whereas, if the gaps between the items are too small, consecutive itemsmay interfere with each other, that may cause jamming of items. To thisextent, controlling these gaps can be especially difficult when thepackages vary in size, shape, or orientation. Typically, multi-beltconveyors are used in such scenarios, where multiple conveyor belts areconfigured to move at varying speeds to cause creation of gaps betweenitems as the items move along a conveyor bed. Multi-belt conveyors,usually, have complex design and maintenance and repairing operations onthe multi-belt conveyors is challenging.

Typically, to maintain uptime and longevity of such multi-beltconveyors, occasional maintenance is required which results in, systemdowntime, loss of productivity, and a lot of manual efforts. Further,for such maintenance, operators generally have to do significant manualwork which involves un-installing the multi-belt conveyor completelywhich may include, for example, un-fastening up a lot of components, ordismounting, or dismantling, components like, conveyor belts, conveyorframes, and/or the like. Further, in such multi-belt conveyors, it isdesired, to maintain a flat and level conveying surface of the conveyorbed throughout the multi-belt conveyor. Maintenance involving mountingand un-mounting of complete conveyor frame along with associatedcomponents, as described before, often results in mis-alignment ofconveyor belts defining the conveyor bed thereby. As a result, withfrequent such operations of maintenance, the level conveying surface ofthe conveyor bed is disturbed, and bumps are created along a conveyingsurface of the conveyor bed over. Thus, in such cases, as the items arepassed on the conveyor, a material handling system loses a track ofitems, as the items are conveyed on the conveyor bed.

Various example embodiments described herein, relates to a multi-beltconveyor for conveying items in a material handling environment. Themulti-belt conveyor can comprise a conveyor bed defined by a pluralityof cartridges positioned adjacently to each other. Each cartridge of themulti-belt conveyor can comprise: (a) a roller-slider bed defined by aset of rollers, where the roller-slider bed can operate as a roller bedand/or a slider bed, (b) an actuation assembly that can comprise a drivepulley that may be rotated about an axis, and (c) a set of conveyorbelts mounted around the drive pulley and the roller-slider bed. Theroller-slider bed can comprise a plurality of rollers so adjacentlypositioned to each there such that, the rollers define a roller bed. Inaccordance with said example embodiments, the roller-slider bed can belocated slightly under a top elevation defined by the plurality ofrollers so that each cartridge acts like a section of roller bed. Inaccordance with said example embodiments, a cartridge of the pluralityof cartridges can be removably mounted on a base assembly of themulti-belt conveyor. Said differently, the cartridge can be removed froma base assembly of the multi-belt conveyor, without removing anothercartridge which is positioned adjacent to the cartridge on the baseassembly. In accordance with said example embodiments, the set ofconveyor belts of the cartridge can be moved on the roller-slider bed ata defined speed in a direction of conveyance of items on the conveyorbed. In this regard, as the conveyor bed (or a conveying surface overwhich the items are conveyed) of the multi-belt conveyor is defined orcan be formed by the placement of multiple cartridges adjacent to eachother, sets of conveyor belts of respective cartridges may move atvarying speeds along a direction of the conveyance. Said differently, aset of conveyor belts of each cartridge comprising conveyor belts alonga width of the conveyor bed may move at a same speed, however, a speedat which the set of conveyor belts move may be different from a speed atwhich another set of conveyor belts for another (or adjacent) cartridgemay move. In another embodiment, conveyor belts in a set of conveyorbelt for a single cartridge may also move at different speeds relativeto each other. Also, in some example embodiments, the sets of conveyorbelts may operate at different acceleration and deacceleration rates.For example, in an embodiment, when items are positioned on a cartridgethen an acceleration at which the set of conveyor belts of thatcartridge may operate may be within a range from about 0.2g (G-force) toabout 0.5g, or more specifically within a range from about 0.3g to about0.45g or even more specifically at about 0.4g. However, when thecartridge is empty (i.e. no item is being passed over the cartridge)then the set of conveyor belts of the cartridge may operate within arange of acceleration from about 1.5g to about 2.2g, or morespecifically within a range from about 1.7g to about 2.1g, or even morespecifically within a range from about 1.75g to about 2g.

Thus, multiple cartridges defined along a length of the conveyor bed mayoperate at varying speeds or acceleration or deacceleration, which cancause creation of programmed gaps between the items or to align the itemat a desired position of the item relative to a target position of itemmoving at downstream speed on the conveyor, as the items are conveyed onthe conveyor bed. In other embodiments, the speeds can also be varied inorder to reduce a gap between items on the conveyor bed.

In accordance with said example embodiments described herein, thecartridge of the multi-belt conveyor is modular and can be mounted overa base assembly or dis-mounted from the base assembly of the multi-beltconveyor. In this regard, the cartridge can be mounted or un-mounted onthe base assembly, without disturbing installation of an adjacentcartridge on the base assembly. In this regard, according to someexample embodiments, mounting the cartridge over the base assembly caninvolve: (a) mating a cartridge frame base of the cartridge at a definedposition over a portion of the base frame and (b) engaging the cartridgewith the base frame by a nut and bolt assembly.

Further, in accordance with said example embodiments, the actuationassembly of the cartridge can be actuated by a timing belt whichmechanically connects the drive pulley of the cartridge with a drivemotor that may be installed at the base assembly of the multi-beltconveyor. In this regard, by actuation of the drive motor, the timingbelt can move over a sprocket wheel of the actuation assembly to causerotation of the drive pulley, which further causes movement of the setof conveyor belts over the roller-slider bed at a defined speed and/oracceleration. Further, details of the cartridge, mounting anddismounting of the cartridge with respect to base frame of themulti-belt conveyor are described hereinafter in reference to FIGS. 1-7.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-belt conveyor 100comprising a plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n, inaccordance with some example embodiments described herein. Themulti-belt conveyor 100 comprises, a conveyor bed 104 defined by theplurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n positionedadjacent to each other and covered at one side of the multi-beltconveyor 100 by respective timing belt covers 106-1, 106-2 . . . 106-a.respectively. As illustrated, the conveyor bed 104 extends along alength of the multi-belt conveyor 100. The conveyor bed 104 can comprisea conveying surface defined by plurality of conveyor belts of theplurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n onto which astream of items can be conveyed. In some example embodiments, theconveyor bed 104 can be defined by an assembling of plurality ofroller-slider beds of each cartridge where, each cartridge canconstitute a respective roller-slider bed defined by a set of conveyorbelts of that cartridge. Details of the set of conveyor belts androller-slider bed defined by each cartridge are described later inreference to FIGS. 1-6. The multi-belt conveyor 100 can also comprisetwo side rails 108-1 and 108-2 at two ends (i.e. a left end and a rightend) of the multi-belt conveyor 100. The side rails 108-1 and 108-2 maybe mounted over the roller-slider beds (not shown) of the plurality ofcartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n respectively. The side rails108-1 and 108-2 can be installed over the conveyor bed 104 to preventitems to fall off, from the conveyor bed 104 during conveyance.

Illustratively, each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges 102-1,102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n comprises, sets of conveyor belts which can beconfigured to move in the upstream direction X or the downstreamdirection Y. In accordance with various example embodiments, theconveyor bed 104 may comprise a conveying surface which can be definedby the sets of conveyor belts of the plurality of cartridges 102-1,102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n. The conveying surface can facilitateconveyance of the stream of items positioned on the conveying surface.In this regard, the conveying surface defined by the sets of conveyorbelts is a levelled conveying surface, that prevents any bumping,turning or mispositioning of the items, as the items are conveyed on themulti-belt conveyor 100. Further details related to movement of sets ofconveyor belts for each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges 102-1,102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n is described later in reference to FIGS. 2-7.

According to various example embodiments, the multi-belt conveyor 100illustrated in FIG. 1 may correspond to a conveyor of a sortation system(e.g. but not limited to, a section of loop sorter, or an inductconveyor, a conveyor for positioning an item aligned to a relativepositional target moving on the conveyor, and/or the like).

In accordance with said example embodiments, each set of conveyor beltsof respective cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n, can beconfigured to move, in the directions X or Y depending on a direction(upstream or downstream) in which the items are to be conveyed. In thisaspect, each set of conveyor belts of respective cartridges 102-1,102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n, can be configured to operate at varying speedsor acceleration or deacceleration, in response to actuation by acontroller, such that, as the stream of items are conveyed on theconveyor bed 104, gaps or spacings that may be pre-programmed by thecontroller, can be created amongst different items. Said differently, inan example embodiment, conveyor belts of the cartridge 102-1 can move ina defined direction (e.g. the upstream direction X or the downstreamdirection Y) at a first speed which may be different than a second speedat which conveyor belts of the cartridge 102-2 can move, or at differentacceleration rates, or different deacceleration rates, based on which(i) a gap or spacing can be created between two items, as the items moveon the conveying surface of the conveyor bed 104 or (ii) an item can bepositioned at a desired position (i.e. with respect to a trailing edgeor leading edge) relative to another item on the conveyor bed 104.

In accordance with some example embodiments, drive motors of themulti-belt conveyor 100 may be installed on a left end or the right endof the multi-belt conveyor, depending on a material handling environmentor installation site. For instance, in one example embodiment, the drivemotors may be installed on the left-hand side, i.e. towards the siderail 108-1. In this regard, in order to cause movement of items in theupstream direction X, a drive motor towards an extreme left end (i.e.towards the cartridge 102-n) may be actuated first and thereaftersubsequent drive motors may be actuated to rotate shafts of therespective motors in a clockwise direction to cause movement of sets ofconveyor belts of the cartridges in direction X. Similarly, in order tocause movement of items in the direction Y, a drive motor towards anextreme right end (i.e. towards the cartridge 102-1) may be actuatedfirst and thereafter subsequent drive motors may be actuated to rotateshafts of the respective motors in a counter-clockwise direction tocause movement of sets of conveyor belts of the cartridges in thedirection Y.

In another example embodiment, drive motors of the multi-belt conveyor100 may be installed on a right end of the multi-belt conveyor 100, i.e.towards the side rail 108-2. In this regard, to cause movement of itemsin the X direction, the drive motor of the extreme left end (i.e.towards the cartridge 102-n) can be actuated first and thereaftersubsequent drive motors can be actuated to rotate shafts of therespective motors in a counter-counter-clockwise direction to causemovement of sets of conveyor belts of the cartridges in the direction Xand so on.

FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of the multi-belt conveyor100 depicting assembly of the plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2,102-3 . . . 102-n, along a length of the multi-belt conveyor 100. Inaccordance with some example embodiments, the multi-belt conveyor 100can be defined by two sections, viz. (i) the conveyor bed 104 comprisinga plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, . . . 102-n positionedadjacent to each other and (ii) a base assembly 201 that can comprise abase frame 202 over which the plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2,102-3, . . . 102-n can be mounted. As illustrated, each cartridge (102-1or 102-2 . . . or 102-n) of the multi-belt conveyor 100 comprises setsof conveyor belts 204-1, 204-2 . . . 204-n, mounted over a roller-sliderbed (not shown) and a drive pulley (not shown) of the respectivecartridge. For instance, a cartridge 102-1 of the multi-belt conveyor100 can comprise a set of conveyor belts 204-1, (i.e. conveyor belts204-1-1, 204-1-2, 204-1-3, 204-1-4, 204-1-5, and 204-1-6). Similarly, acartridge 102-2 can comprise a set of conveyor belts 204-2 (i.e.conveyor belts 204-2-1, 204-2-2, 204-2-3, 204-2-4, 204-2-5, 204-2-6),and so on. In this regard, the sets of conveyor belts 204-1, 204-2,204-3 . . . 204-n corresponding to the plurality of the cartridges102-1, 102-2, 102-3, . . . 102-n can be configured to operate at varyingspeeds or acceleration rate or deacceleration rate, to convey a streamof items (along with programmed creating gaps between items orpositioning some items at a desired position relative to other items).

In accordance with said example embodiments, each set of the sets ofconveyor belts 204-1, 204-2 . . . 204-n can be actuated to move alongthe conveyor bed 104, by a corresponding drive motor 206 mounted on thebase assembly 201 of the multi-belt conveyor 100. In this regard, inaccordance with some example embodiments, the multi-belt conveyor 100can comprise a plurality of drive motors 206-1, 206-2, 206-3 . . . 206-nthat can be mounted on the base assembly 201 of the multi-belt conveyor100 (i.e. towards the right-hand side or the left-hand side of themulti-belt conveyor, as described before). In this regard, in someexamples, a set of conveyor belts 204-2 corresponding to a secondcartridge 102-2 may be moved by actuation by the drive motor 206-2 and aset of conveyor belts 204-3 corresponding to a third cartridge 102-3 maybe moved by actuation by a drive motor 206-3, and so on. Saiddifferently, in accordance with said example embodiments, a number ofdrive motors mounted on the base assembly 201 may correspond to a numberof cartridges (or a number of sets of conveyor belts 204-1, 204-2, . . .204-n) to be actuated for movement by the respective drive motor. Thus,in accordance with said example embodiments, drive motors of themulti-belt conveyor 100, can be configured to actuate and cause movementof a respective sets of conveyor belts 204-1, 204-2, 204-3 . . . 204-nof the plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n, detailsof which would be described later in reference to FIGS. 3-7.

According to some example embodiments, the movement of the sets ofconveyor belts 204-1, 204-2 . . . 204-n by the drive motors 206-1, 206-2. . . 206-n may be based on a mechanical coupling between pairs of thesets of conveyor belts and the drive motors (204-1, 206-1), (204-2,206-2) . . . (204-n, 206-n) respectively, via actuation assemblies ofeach of the plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2 . . . 102-n.

According to some example embodiments, the multi-belt conveyor 100 cancomprise a plurality of timing belts 208-1, 208-2, 208-3 . . . 208-nwhich can mechanically couple sprockets 210-1, 210-2 . . . 210-n of eachof the plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n to theplurality of drive motors 206-1, 206-2, 206-3 . . . 206-n that may berespectively mounted on the base assembly 201. Thus, in an exampleoperation, the plurality of drive motors 206-1, 206-2, 206-3 . . . 206-ncan actuate to cause rotation of its respective shaft that drives amovement of the plurality of timing belts 208-1, 208-2, 208-3 . . .208-n over the sprocket wheels 210-1, 210-2 . . . 210-n, in clockwise orcounter-clockwise direction. Rotation of the sprocket wheels 210-1,210-2 . . . 210-n, causes rotation of a drive pulley of the cartridgeswhich causes movement of the sets of conveyor belts 204-1, 204-2 . . .204-n of respective cartridges. Further details of: (i) mechanicalcoupling between the drive motors 206-1, 206-2 . . . 206-n and the setsof conveyor belts 204-1, 204-2 . . . 204-n, via actuation assemblies and(ii) the actuation by the drive motor to cause movement of the sets ofconveyor belts 204-1, 204-2 . . . 204-n, are described in reference toFIGS. 4-7.

Illustratively, the multi-belt conveyor 100 also comprises an end cover212 which can be mounted between the two cartridge frame tops 304 ofeach cartridge and a bottom cover 213 to block access to components,upon assembling the plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . .102-n of the multi-belt conveyor 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view 300 of the multi-belt conveyor 100comprising the plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n,in accordance with various example embodiments described herein.Although, a section of the multi-belt conveyor 100 depicted in the sideview 300 of FIG. 3 comprises 20 cartridges adjacently positioned to eachother. However, without limiting a scope of present disclosure, inaccordance with various example embodiments, the multi-belt conveyor 100may comprise any number of cartridges that can be removably positionedadjacently to each other which can define the conveyor bed 104 forconveying a stream of items. As shown, the multi-belt conveyor 100 canalso comprise a plurality of T-bolts 302-1, 302-2 . . . 302-n. TheT-bolts 302-1, 302-2 . . . 302-n can be configured to engage cartridgeframe tops 304 of two adjacently positioned cartridges. For instance, aT bolt-302-1 can engage cartridge frame tops of cartridges 102-1 and102-2 respectively. In this regard, in accordance with said exampleembodiments, the T-bolt-302-1 can be inserted in a slot formed bycartridge frame tops 304 of two adjacently positioned cartridges 102-1and 102-2 thereby, making a contact with two adjacent cartridges 102-1and 102-2. Further, upon inserting the T-bolt 302-1 between the twoadjacently positioned cartridges 102-1 and 102-2, a nut and washer canbe fastened from the outside, over an end of the T-bolt 302-1.Accordingly, the cartridge frame tops 304 of the two adjacentlypositioned cartridges 102-1 and 102-2, respectively, can be pulled flushand arranged collinear to each other, allowing for a seamlessintegration on of the cartridges 102-1 and 102-2 on a horizontal planedefined by a top flange 410 of a channel of top flange 410 the baseframe 202. Accordingly, for disengaging or un-mounting a cartridge fromthe base frame 202, a respective T-bolt engaging the cartridge with anadjacent cartridge can be removed and thereafter the cartridge framebase 408 can be disengaged from the base frame 202.

Referring to FIG. 3, enlarged views 300 a, 300 b, 300 c, depictsassembling of T-bolts 302-n between the adjacently positioned cartridges102-1, 102-2 . . . 102-n thereby engaging cartridge frame tops 304 ofrespective cartridges. Illustratively, each cartridge frame top 304 ofthe respective cartridges 102-1, 102-2 . . . 102-n, comprises anaperture which defines a half of a slot 308 (defined upon assemblingadjacent cartridges) into which a respective T-bolt 302-n can beinserted. For example, referring to view 300 a, cartridge frame top304-1 and cartridge frame top 304-2 of adjacently positioned cartridgesdefines the slot 308 into which a T bolt 302-a can be inserted. TheT-bolt 302-a can comprise a first end 310-1, a second end 310-2, and athird end 310-3. Further, in some example embodiments, preassembledT-bolt assemblies comprising, the T-Bolt 302-a, a nut 312, and a washer314, can be used for engaging cartridge frame tops 304 of adjacentlypositioned cartridges. Referring to the view 300 b, the T-bolt 302-a canbe inserted into the slot 308 like a key and the bolt assembly isrotated until the 90° and a cam stop 311 defined on a bottom of theT-bolt towards the first end 310-1 hits an edge of the slot 308. In thisregard, referring to the view 300 c, the nut 312 can be tightened overthe third end 310-3 of the T-bolt 302-a, to clamp each cartridge frametop 304 of adjacently positioned cartridges, between a T head defined bythe first end 310-1 and the second end 310-2 of the T-bolt 302-a, andwasher face of the washer 314, thereby aligning the cartridge frame tops304 (e.g. 304-1 and 304-2) of adjacently positioned cartridges. Further,in accordance with said example embodiments, to remove the T bolt 302-a,the nut 312 can be loosened and upon loosening the nut 312, the T-bolt302-a can be rotated 90° so the bolt assembly can be removed from theslot 308 together.

Further, in accordance with said example embodiments, the multi-beltconveyor 100 can comprise timing belt covers 106-1, 106-2 . . . 106-p tocover the plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-nmounted over the base frame 202. The timing belt covers 106-1, 106-2 . .. 106-p can prevent deposition of dust or unwanted dirt on thecartridges, as well as, provide additional safety of the multi-beltconveyor 100 by preventing access to components of the conveyor inoperation.

In accordance with various example embodiments, the plurality ofcartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n can be mounted over the baseassembly 201 of the multi-belt conveyor 100 such that, a conveyingsurface 306 formed by assembling of the sets of conveyor belts 204-1,204-2 . . . 204-n has consistent levelling throughout along a length ofthe multi-belt conveyor 100. Levelled conveying surface 306 can beachieved due to controlling of a distance from the cartridge frame base408 to the conveying surface 306. In this regard, the levelled conveyingsurface 306 is formed due to various factors, for example, but notlimited to, (a) a spring pin and nut & bolt assembly based fixedengagement of cartridge frame top (having a tight tolerance) of thecartridge with a cartridge frame base of the cartridge, (b) engagementof the cartridge frame base on a top flange defined by a channel of thebase frame, (c) positioning of rollers of the roller-slider bed of eachcartridge on a machined cross-member and (d) engagement of the machinedcross-member with the cartridge frame top, details of which aredescribed at various instances hereinafter in reference to descriptionof FIGS. 4-6. It may be understood that, levelled and consistentconveying surface prevents formation of any bumps or uneven surfaces onthe conveyor bed 104. In this regard, in accordance with various exampleembodiments described herein, when the plurality of cartridges 102-1,102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n are mounted on the base frame 202, a set ofconveyor belts of each cartridge is co-planar with a set of conveyorbelts of an adjacently positioned cartridge. For instance, according tosaid examples, upon mounting cartridge 102-1 and cartridge 102-2 on thebase frame 202, a set of conveyor belts 204-1 of the cartridge 102-1defines a portion of the conveying surface 306 which is co-planar withanother portion of the conveying surface 306 defined by set of conveyorbelts 204-2 of the cartridge 102-2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view 400 of the multi-belt conveyor 100depicting a cartridge 102-1 of the plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2,102-3 . . . 102-n, un-mounted from the base assembly 201 of themulti-belt conveyor 100, in accordance with some example embodimentsdescribed herein. As shown, the cartridge 102-1 can be un-mounted fromthe base frame 202 of the multi-belt conveyor 100. In this regard, inaccordance with various example embodiments described herein, thecartridge 102-1 can be un-mounted from the base frame 202 withoutremoving an adjacent cartridge 102-2 from the plurality of cartridges102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n of the multi-belt conveyor 100.

In accordance with various example embodiments described herein, thecartridge 102 comprises the set of conveyor belts 204 (comprisingconveyor belts 204-1-1, 204-1-2, 204-1-3, 204-1-4, 204-1-5, and so on),which can be mounted over a roller-slider bed and a drive pulley of thecartridge 102-1. Details related to mounting of set of conveyor belts204 and components of the roller-slider bed are described in referenceto FIG. 6.

Referring back to FIG. 4, each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n can comprise a cartridge frame top 304and a cartridge frame base 408. The cartridge frame base 408 can bedefined at an angle relative to the cartridge frame top 304. Forinstance, in some examples, the cartridge frame base 408 of thecartridge 102-1 can engaged with the cartridge frame top 304 such that,the cartridge frame base 408 defines an angle almost perpendicular tothe cartridge frame top 304. In this aspect, in accordance with variousexample embodiments described herein, the cartridge base frame 408 canbe fixedly engaged to the cartridge frame top 304, by a spring pin and anut and bolt assembly, so that a pivotal movement or a relative movementbetween the cartridge frame top 304 and the cartridge frame base 408 maybe avoided. In accordance with said example embodiment, the spring pincan locate the cartridge frame top 304 relative to a base angle definedbetween the cartridge frame top 304, the cartridge frame base 408, andthe top flange 410 of the base frame 202, such that all features arepositioned and located with minimal tolerance variation to maximizeassembly repeatability, thereby allowing for a flat top conveyingsurface, and eliminating planar variation amongst sections of conveyingsurface defined by adjacently positioned cartridges. Further details ofengagement of the cartridge frame top 304 and the cartridge frame base408, are described later in reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

In accordance with various example embodiments described herein, theplurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n can be mountedor un-mounted, from the base frame 202 based on engagement ordisengagement, of the cartridge frame base 408 (of the respectivecartridge) with an top flange 410 defined on the base frame 202. In thisregard, in some examples, a shape of the cartridge frame base 408 of theplurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n is such that, itcomplements a shape of the top flange 410 of the base frame 202. Saiddifferently, for mounting the cartridge 102-1 to the base frame 202, thecartridge 102-1 can be positioned over the base assembly 201 such that,the cartridge frame base 408 is positioned in a desired orientation overa portion of the top flange 410 of the base frame 202. For example, insome embodiments, for mounting the cartridge 102 on the base frame 202,the cartridge frame base 408 can be positioned over the top flange 410of the base frame 202 such that an aperture defined on the cartridgeframe base 408 overlaps with another aperture defined on the top flange410 of the base frame 202. In this regard, upon aligning the apertures,an engagement pin or a bolt can be passed through both the respectiveapertures on the cartridge frame top 304 and the cartridge frame base408, and fastened with a bolt, to engage the cartridge 102-1 on the baseframe 202. By mating the cartridge frame base 408 over the top flange410 of the base frame 202, in a manner as described, a precision fitcoupling of the cartridge frame base 408 with the base frame 202, via anut and bolt assembly, can be achieved. This prevents any sideways orlateral movement of the cartridge frame base 408 about the base frame202 during a conveying operation of the multi-belt conveyor 100. Thus,based on the precision fit coupling, the cartridge 102-1 can be fixedlymounted on the base assembly 201. Also, as each cartridge of theplurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n can be mountedon the base frame 202 by engagement of the cartridge frame base 408 andtop flange 410, the conveying surface 306 formed by the plurality ofcartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-n is always at a defined height(and without any un-evening) relative to the base frame 202. In otherwords, when the plurality of the cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . .102-n are mounted on the base frame 202, the set of conveyor belts204-1, 204-2 . . . 204-n (in an assembled version of the multi-beltconveyor 100) are always co-planar to each other. Thus, in accordancewith said example embodiments described herein, based on the precisionfit coupling and cartridge assembly tolerancing and positioning that canbe achieved through use of the spring pin as a locating and constrainingentity, even upon repeatable un-mounting and subsequent mounting ofdifferent cartridges on the base frame 202, a level conveying surfacecan be achieved for conveying the items.

FIG. 5 illustrates, a front sectional view 500 of the multi-beltconveyor 100 comprising the plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2 . . .102-n and depicting a cartridge 102-4 un-mounted from the base assembly201 of the multi-belt conveyor 100, in accordance with some exampleembodiments described herein. Illustratively, cartridges 102-1, 102-2,102-3, 102-5, 102-6, and 102-7 of the multi-belt conveyor 100 aremounted on the base frame 202 of the base assembly 201 and cartridge102-4 is un-mounted from the base assembly 201. In accordance withvarious example embodiments described herein, each cartridge of thecartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-5, 102-6, and 102-7 can be mountedon the base frame 202 by an engagement of a cartridge frame base 408 ofthe cartridge to the top flange 410 defined by the base frame 202, via arespective nut and bolt assembly. Illustratively, the cartridge 102-1can be mounted on the base frame 202, via two nut and bolt assemblies502 and 504.

In accordance with said example embodiments, each cartridge of thecartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-4, 102-5, 102-6, and 102-7 cancomprise: the cartridge frame top 304 and the cartridge frame base 408,where the cartridge frame base 408 can be fixedly engaged to thecartridge frame top 304, via an engagement unit 506. The engagement unit506 can comprise a spring pin and a nut and bolt assembly. In thisregard, for engaging the cartridge frame top 304 with the cartridgeframe base 408, the spring pin can be through passed from one end of thecartridge frame top 304 into an aperture on the cartridge frame base408, thereby aligning the cartridge frame top 304 with the cartridgeframe base 408, and subsequently the cartridge frame top 304 can beengaged with the cartridge frame base 408, via fastening of the nut andbolt assembly, as described earlier in reference to FIG. 4.

In accordance with said example embodiments, the cartridge 102-4 can beun-mounted from the base frame 202 by removing T-bolts between thecartridges 102-3 and 102-4 and between the cartridges 102-4 and 102-5,and further disengaging, an engagement of the cartridge frame base 408of the cartridge 102-4 with the top flange 410 of the base frame 202 viathe nut and bolt assembly (similar to the nut and bolt assemblies 502and 504). In this regard, upon disengagement, a timing belt 208-1connecting the sprocket 210-4 of the cartridge 102-4 and a sprocket404-2 comprising a bushing at the base assembly 201 can be removed andsubsequently, the cartridge 102-4 can be lifted upwards in a directionP. According to various example embodiments described herein, thecartridge 102-4 can be removed or un-mounted from the base assembly 201of the multi-belt conveyor 100 without removing an adjacent cartridge(i.e. cartridge 102-3 and 102-5) of the multi-belt conveyor 100. Furtherdetails including steps for mounting and un-mounting a cartridge of theplurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2 . . . 102-n from the base assembly201 of the multi-belt conveyor 100 are described in reference to FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 5, each cartridge of the plurality of cartridges102-1, 102-2 . . . 102-n comprises, a conveyor belt tensioning unit 508that can be configured to manipulate a tension of the set of conveyorbelts 204-1, 204-2 . . . 204-n which are mounted around roller-sliderbed and a drive pulley of each cartridge, to be a desired value.Further, the base assembly 201 of the multi-belt conveyor 100 comprisesa plurality of timing belt tensioning units 510 that can be configuredto manipulate tension of each of respective timing belts 208-1, 208-2 .. . 208-n mounted around the sprocket wheels 210-1, 210-2 . . . 210-n,of the cartridges and the sprockets with bushings, i.e. sprockets 404-1,404-2 . . . 404-n, on the base assembly 201. Illustratively, the baseassembly 201 can comprise the plurality of drive motors 206-1, 206-2 . .. 206-n that can be configured for driving a movement of the set ofconveyor belts 204-1, 204-2 . . . 204-n of respective cartridges.

In accordance with said example embodiments, each drive motor can bemounted from a back surface (not shown) of a tensioning plate 512 whichcan be then bolted to a front facing surface of the base frame 202 using4 attaching front facing bolts, 514-1, 514-2, 514-3, and 514-4 andrespective coupling nuts. In this regard, the base frame 202 can definean opening so that the drive motors 206-1, 206-2 . . . 206-n, can besituated within the base frame 202 but still remain adjustable from theoutside. For instance, an enlarged view 500 a depicts assembling of adrive motor 206-5 on the base assembly 201. Illustratively, the drivemotor 206-5 is mounted on a back surface of the tensioning plate 512 toform an assembly (i.e. a drive motor mounted on the tensioning plate)such that the drive motor 206-5 can move along the assembly through anaperture defined in the base frame 202. In accordance with said exampleembodiments, the assembly (i.e. the drive motor 206-1 mounted on thetensioning plate 512) can be mounted on the base frame 202, via thecoupler nut spacers, i.e. the front facing bolts 514-1, 514-2, 514-3,and 514-4 and respective nuts which can be fastened over the respectivebolts to engage the assembly on the base frame 202.

In accordance with said example embodiments, each drive motor maycomprise a respective shaft which may be through passed along with theassembly of the drive motor mounted on the tensioning plate, from theback surface of the base frame 202 to the front surface. The shafts ofthe drive motors 206-1, 206-2, . . . 206-n can be mechanically coupledto respective sprockets having bushings, i.e. the sprockets 404-1, 404-2. . . 404-n. In accordance with said example embodiments, to tightentension of the timing belt 208-1, front facing bolts 514-1, 514-2,514-3, and 514-4 of the tensioning plate 512 can be tightened uponmounting the assembly of the drive motor 206-1 and the tensioning plate512 on the base frame 202 such that, the drive motor 206-1 can be pushedin a downward direction to a desired location on the base frame 202,thereby stretching the timing belt 208-1, until the correct and intendedtension is achieved.

In some example embodiments, to ensure that a tension of the timingbelts 208-1, 208-2, . . . 208-n is at a desired value and the drivepulley 602 is levelled correctly on both left and right ends of themulti-belt conveyor 100, the cartridges 102-1, 102-2, . . . 102-n and/orthe base frame 202 may include a provision (e.g. an aperture or openingor a defined shape) that allows a feeler gauge for measuring a positionof the drive pulley 602 relative to the top flange 410 of the base frame202.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view 600 a and an exploded view 600 bof the cartridge 102-1 of the plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2,102-3 . . . 102-n of the multi-belt conveyor 100, in accordance withsome example embodiments described herein. The cartridge 102-1comprises: a drive pulley 602 rotatable about an axis Q, a roller-sliderbed 604 (that can comprise a plurality of rollers 604-1, 604-2, 604-3 .. . 604-n), and the set of conveyor belts 204-1 (i.e. conveyor belts204-1-1, 204-1-2 . . . and 204-1-6) As illustrated, in the perspectiveview 600 a, the set of conveyor belts 204-1 can be mounted around thedrive pulley 602, a portion 304-3 of the cartridge frame top 304, andthe roller-slider bed 604. Illustratively, the cartridge 102-1 cancomprise the cartridge frame top 304 and the cartridge frame base 408,enclosing the drive pulley 602 and the roller-slider bed 604 of thecartridge 102-1. In some example embodiments, the cartridge frame base408 can have a shape of a bracket comprising two surfaces that meets ata defined angle (for example, at 90 degrees), where a first surface408-1 of the cartridge frame base 408 can mate over a back portion ofthe cartridge frame top 304 and a second surface 408-2 of the cartridgeframe base 408 can engage with the base frame 202 via apertures definedon the second surface 408-2 of the cartridge frame base 408. In thisregard, as described earlier, the cartridge frame base 408 can befixedly engaged with the cartridge frame top 304 by the engagement unit506. In some examples, the engagement unit 506 can comprise: a springpin 606 and a nut and bolt assembly including a bolt 608 and a nut 610.In accordance with various example embodiments described herein, forengaging the cartridge frame top 304 with the cartridge frame base 408,the first surface 408-1 of the cartridge frame base 408 can be alignedover the back portion of the cartridge frame top 304, so that the springpin 606 can pass through apertures defined on respective surfaces of thecartridge frame top 304 and the cartridge frame base 408, therebyaligning the two frames. Further, upon alignment, the bolt 608 can bepassed through apertures of the cartridge frame top 304 and thecartridge frame base 408 and the nut 610 can be fastened over the bolt608 to fixedly engage the cartridge frame top 304 with the cartridgeframe base 408.

In accordance with various example embodiments described herein, eachcartridge of the plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 . . . 102-ncan comprise an actuation assembly 612 that can be configured foractuating a movement of the set of conveyor belts 204-1 over theroller-slider bed 604 of the respective cartridge, by rotation of thedrive pulley 602 and rollers 604-1, 604-2 . . . 604-n of theroller-slider bed 604. Illustratively, the actuation assembly 612 cancomprise: the sprocket wheel 210-1 that can be mechanically receivedover a flange mount ball bearing 614. In accordance with said exampleembodiments, a shaft of the drive pulley 602 can through pass thecartridge frame top 304 and can be mechanically coupled to the flangemount ball bearing 614. In this regard, the sprocket wheel 210-1 candefine, a circular surface 615 over which the timing belt 208-1 canpositioned and mounted at a first end around the sprocket wheel 210-1.Further, at a second end, the timing belt 208-1 can be mounted aroundthe sprocket 404-1 of the base assembly 201. In this regard, movement ofthe timing belt 208-1 over the sprocket wheel 210-1 causes rotation ofthe sprocket wheel 210-1, in clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Asthe sprocket wheel 210-1 rotates, the flange mount ball bearing 614 andthe shaft of the drive pulley 602 follows the rotation of the sprocketwheel 210-1, thereby causing movement of the set of conveyor belts 204-1over the roller-slider bed 604.

Illustratively, the cartridge 102-1 also comprises the conveyor belttensioning unit 508 comprising a tensioning bolt 624, a tensioningbracket 626, and a tensioning plate 628. In an assembled version of thecartridge 102-1 (as shown in the perspective view 600 a), a position atwhich the tensioning plate 628 can be mounted on the cartridge frame top304 can be adjusted by tightening or loosing the tensioning bolt 624,which also adjusts a position at which the actuation assembly 612 of thecartridge 102-1 is mounted on the cartridge frame top 304. Accordingly,by manipulating the position at which the actuation assembly 612 can bemounted on the cartridge frame top 304, a tension of the set of conveyorbelts 204-1 of the cartridge 102-1 can be adjusted.

In accordance with said example embodiments, each cartridge of theplurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2 . . . 102-n can also include amachined cross member 616 comprising grooves 616-1 that supportsprecision fit engagement of some components like the rollers 604-1,604-2 . . . 604-n) of the cartridge to control a position of theconveying surface of the cartridge to the cartridge base frame 408.Referring to enlarged view 600 c of the machined cross member 616 can beconfigured to engage with the cartridge frame top 304 based on a springpin and nut and bolt coupling 620 based arrangement, (in a similarfashion, as described before for the spring pin 606 and a nut and boltassembly including a bolt 608 and a nut 610 for engagement of thecartridge frame top 304 with the cartridge frame base 408) to enableprecision fit engagement of the machined cross member 616 with thecartridge frame top 304. In some example embodiments, a nut and boltassembly can be used for engaging the cartridge frame top 304 with themachined cross member 616 without using the spring pin. In this aspect,the cartridge frame top 304 can comprise one or more apertures 618through which the nut and spring pin of the spring pin and nut and boltcoupling 620 through passes for the engagement with apertures 616-2 onthe machined cross member 616. Further, in accordance with said exampleembodiments, the grooves 616-1 of the machined cross member 616 can alsobe configured to support positioning of the rollers 604-1, 604-2, 604-3. . . 604-n at various positions relative to a top plate 622 of thecartridge frame top 304 around which the set of conveyor belts 204-1,204-2 . . . 204-n can be mounted. For instance, referring to view 600 d,the machined cross member 616 comprises grooves 616-1 that can beconfigured to support roller support flats 622 which support thepositioning of the rollers 604-1, 604-2, 604-3 . . . 604-n. Inaccordance with said example embodiments, the rollers 604-1, 604-2, . .. 604-n, can be supported over the machined cross member 616 thereby,(i) adjusting a positioning of the conveying surface relative to thecartridge frame base 408 and (ii) locating tight tolerance rollersupport flats and the top plate 622 around which the set of conveyorbelts 204-1, 204-2 . . . 204-n are mounted thereby defining theroller-slider bed 604. Thus, the machined cross member 616 supportscontrolling of a level conveying surface of the roller-slider bed 604based on at least, (a) supporting positioning of the rollers 604-1,604-2 . . . 604-n at various positions and (b) fixedly engaging thecomponents (like the cartridge frame top 304, the top plate 622, and/orthe like) together, thereby preventing any loose coupling.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart representing a method 700 for mountingthe cartridge 102-1 on the base assembly 201 of the multi-belt conveyor100, in accordance with some example embodiments described herein. Atstep 702, the method comprises, positioning, the cartridge 102-1 overthe base frame 202 of the multi-belt conveyor 100. As shown in FIG. 6,the cartridge 102-1 comprises: the roller-slider bed 604 comprising aplurality of rollers 604-1, 604-2 . . . 604-n, the drive pulley 602configured to be rotated about the axis Q, and the set of conveyor belts204-1 mounted around the roller-slider bed 604 and the drive pulley 602.The set of conveyor belts 204-1, referred herein, are configured to moveover the roller-slider bed 604 in response to rotation of the drivepulley 602 and the plurality of rollers 604-1, 604-2 . . . 604-n. Insome example embodiments, the cartridge 102-1 can be positioned over thebase assembly 201 in such a manner, that the cartridge frame base 408 ispositioned over the top flange 410 of the base frame 202 in a definedorientation. For instance, in some examples, the cartridge 102-1 can bepositioned over the base assembly 201 such that, apertures defined onthe cartridge frame base 408 mates with apertures defined on the topflange 410 of the base frame 202.

Moving to step 704, the cartridge 102-1 can be mounted over the baseframe 202 of the multi-belt conveyor 100 by an engagement of thecartridge frame base 408 with a section (for example, the top flange410) of the base frame 202. In this regard, as described at step 702,upon aligning apertures defined on the cartridge frame base 408 and thetop flange 410, a bolt can be passed through both the apertures and anut can be fastened over threadings of the bolt, to engage the cartridgeframe base 408 with the base frame 202, in a similar manner as describedin FIGS. 4-6. Further, in some example embodiments, upon mounting thecartridge 10-2-1 over the base frame 202, T-bolt 302-1 can be keyed intothe slot 308, as described in FIG. 3, to engage the cartridge frame top304-1 of the cartridge 102-1 with the cartridge frame top 304-2 of thecartridge 102-2 that may be already mounted on the base frame 202.

Moving to step 706, upon mounting the cartridge 102-1 over the baseframe 202, the method comprises, installing the timing belt 208-1between the cartridge 102-1 and the base assembly 201 of the multi-beltconveyor 100. The timing belt 208-1 can mechanically couple the drivepulley 602 of the cartridge 102-1 to a shaft of the drive motor 206-1.In this regard, in accordance with said example embodiments, the timingbelt 208-1 can be mounted around the sprocket wheel 210-1 of thecartridge 102-1 and the sprocket 404-1 of the base assembly 201, asdescribed in reference to FIGS. 4-6.

In an example embodiment, a method for un-mounting the cartridge 102-1mounted on the base frame 202 of the multi-belt conveyor 100 cancomprise (a) removing, T-bolt engaged between cartridge frame tops ofthe cartridge and another cartridge adjacently positioned to thecartridge. The method can further comprise: (b) loosening the frontfacing bolts 514-1, 514-2, 514-3, and 514-4 to so that the tensioningplate 512 can slide freely, thereby changing a height at which the drivemotor 206-1 is positioned on the base frame 202. The method can furthercomprise (c) loosening, by the timing belt tensioning unit 510, atension of the timing belt 208-1 mounted around the sprocket wheel 210-1of the cartridge 102-1 and the sprocket 404-1 comprising a bushingmechanically coupled to the drive motor 206-1. The method can furthercomprise (d) disengaging the nut and bolt assemblies 502 and 504 thatengages the cartridge frame base 408 with the top flange 410 of the baseframe 202. Further, the method can comprise (e) un-mounting thecartridge 102-1 by lifting the cartridge 102-1 upwards in the directionP from the base frame 202 of the multi-belt conveyor 100.

In accordance with some example embodiments, removing of the T-bolt maycomprise, un-fastening or loosening the nut 312 of the T-bolt 302-1 torotate the T-bolt 302-a counter-clockwise by 90 degrees and pulling outthe T-bolt 302-1 from the slot 308, thereby disengaging the cartridgeframe tops 304-1 and 304-2 of adjacently positioned cartridges 102-1 and102-2.

By way of implementation of various example embodiments describedherein, a conventionally tedious process for installation of a conveyorsystem (particularly, the multi-belt conveyor 100 that can be used forcreating gaps between items positioned on the conveyor) in a materialhandling environment, can be simplified. For instance, a section of aconveyor can be un-mounted for maintenance purposes, by a single beltloosening action and removal of few bolts. Further, as the multi-beltconveyor 100 comprises the plurality of cartridges 102-1, 102-2 . . .102-n, where any cartridge can be easily unmounted from a base framewithout removing an adjacent cartridge, efforts required by operatorsfor manufacturing, repair, installation, and maintenance of suchconveyor systems can be significantly reduced, without compromising anoperating performance of the conveyor system. Also, a modular structureof the multi-belt conveyor 100 based on multiple cartridges having setof conveyor belts that can be mounted on a base frame, while maintainingflat and even conveying surface along the length of the conveyor,multiple cartridges can be interchanged depending on a maintenancerequirement. Further, this also allows fast and easy maintenance of themulti-belt conveyor 100, without compromising conveyor operation orgapping performance. Additionally, as the cartridges can be removedindependent of a single motor drive which is present in conventionalconveyors, implementation of various example embodiments describedherein, allows for mechanical swapping of components of conveyor withminimal service interruption.

It may be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” comprise plural referentsunless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

References within the specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “embodiments”, or “one or more embodiments” are intended toindicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is comprised in at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of such phrases invarious places within the specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternativeembodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, variousfeatures are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments andnot by others.

It should be noted that, when employed in the present disclosure, theterms “comprises,” “comprising,” and other derivatives from the rootterm “comprise” are intended to be open-ended terms that specify thepresence of any stated features, elements, integers, steps, orcomponents, and are not intended to preclude the presence or addition ofone or more other features, elements, integers, steps, components, orgroups thereof.

Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, whichmay be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural andfunctional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as a basis for the claims.

While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments described hereindisclosed fulfill the objectives stated above, it will be appreciatedthat numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by oneof ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, it will be understood thatthe appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications andembodiments, which come within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A conveyor comprising: a conveyor bed comprisinga cartridge having a set of conveyor belts and a set of rollers, whereineach conveyor belt of the set of conveyor belts is individually mountedover an associated roller of the set of rollers, and wherein each of theconveyor belts of the set of conveyor belts are configured to move in adirection along the conveyor bed over the associated roller of the setof rollers at respective and individually defined speeds.
 2. Theconveyor of claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises: an actuationassembly comprising a drive pulley configured to be rotated about anaxis; a roller-slider bed comprising a plurality of rollers configuredto be rotated by the actuation assembly; and the set of conveyor beltsmounted around the roller-slider bed and the drive pulley, wherein theset of conveyor belts are configured to move over the roller-slider bedin response to rotation of the drive pulley and the plurality ofrollers.
 3. The conveyor of claim 2, wherein the actuation assemblyfurther comprises, a sprocket wheel mechanically coupled to a ballbearing and a shaft of the drive pulley, wherein the sprocket wheel isconfigured to be rotated by actuation of the actuation assembly thatcomprises: movement of a timing belt mounted around the sprocket wheelto cause rotation of the sprocket wheel, the ball bearing, and the shaftof the drive pulley.
 4. The conveyor of claim 3, wherein the actuationassembly is actuated by a drive motor and wherein the timing belt ismounted around the sprocket wheel of the cartridge and a sprocketcomprising a bushing that is mechanically coupled to a shaft of thedrive motor.
 5. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the conveyor comprises:a first cartridge removably mounted to a base frame of the conveyor, thefirst cartridge comprising: a first actuation assembly comprising atleast a first drive pulley; a first roller-slider bed comprising a firstset of rollers configured to rotate by the first actuation assembly; anda first set of conveyor belts mounted around the first roller-slider bedand the first drive pulley, wherein the first set of conveyor belts aremoved in response to rotation of the first set of rollers and the firstdrive pulley of the first actuation assembly; and a second cartridgeremovably mounted to the base frame, the second cartridge comprising: asecond actuation assembly comprising at least a second drive pulley; asecond roller-slider bed comprising a second set of rollers configuredto rotate by the second actuation assembly; and a second set of conveyorbelts mounted around the second roller-slider bed and the second drivepulley, and wherein the second set of conveyor belts are moved inresponse to rotation of the second set of rollers and the second drivepulley of the second actuation assembly; and wherein, the first set ofconveyor belts are configured to be moved over the first set of rollersat a first speed and the second set of conveyor belts are configured tobe moved over the second set of rollers at a second speed different fromthe first speed to create a gap between items on the conveyor bed of theconveyor.
 6. The conveyor of claim 2, wherein the cartridge comprises: acartridge frame defined by a cartridge frame top and a cartridge framebase and wherein the cartridge frame base is defined at an anglerelative to the cartridge frame top and mechanically coupled to thecartridge frame top by a spring pin and a nut and bolt assembly; and amachined cross member comprising grooves and wherein the machined crossmember is configured to support positioning of the plurality of rollersof the roller-slider bed of the cartridge, wherein the machined crossmember is configured to engage with the cartridge frame top.
 7. Theconveyor of claim 6, wherein the cartridge is configured to be removablymounted over a base assembly of the conveyor by: positioning thecartridge over the base assembly so that the cartridge frame base matesover a portion defined by the base frame of the base assembly; engagingthe cartridge frame base with the base frame by a nut and bolt assembly;and engaging a T-bolt between the cartridge and another cartridgepositioned adjacently to the cartridge.
 8. The conveyor of claim 1,comprising a plurality of T bolts, wherein each T bolt is configured toengage cartridge frame tops of two adjacently positioned cartridges of aplurality of cartridges.
 9. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein a baseassembly of the conveyor comprises: a drive motor mounted to a baseframe, the drive motor comprising a shaft through passing at least aportion of the base frame; a sprocket comprising a bushing mechanicallycoupled to the shaft of the drive motor; and a tensioning platepositioned between the sprocket comprising the bushing and the baseframe, wherein the tensioning plate comprises a plurality of slotsconfigured to receive a plurality of face bolts to engage the tensioningplate on the base frame.
 10. The conveyor of claim 6, wherein thecartridge is configured to control a positioning of the cartridge framebase relative to a conveying surface defined by the conveyor bed basedon engagement of the cartridge frame top with the cartridge frame baseand the base frame, and engagement of the cartridge frame top with themachined cross member.
 11. The conveyor of claim 4, wherein thecartridge comprises a conveyor belt tensioning assembly comprising afirst tensioning plate and first tensioning bolt, configured to adjust atension of the set of conveyor belts mounted around the drive pulley andthe roller-slider bed and wherein the base assembly comprises a timingbelt tensioning assembly comprising a second tensioning plate and asecond tensioning bolt, configured to adjust a tension of the timingbelt mounted around the sprocket wheel of the cartridge and the sprocketwith bushing at the base assembly.
 12. The conveyor of claim 1,comprising a plurality of cartridges, wherein a cartridge of theplurality of cartridges is configured to be removed from the conveyorbed without removing an adjacent cartridge from the plurality ofcartridges.
 13. A cartridge of a conveyor comprising: a roller-sliderbed comprising a plurality of rollers; and a set of conveyor belts,wherein each conveyor belt of the set of conveyor belts is individuallymounted over an associated roller of the roller-slider bed, and whereineach of the conveyor belts of the set of conveyor belts are configuredto move over the roller-slider bed at respective and individuallydefined speeds in response to rotation of the plurality of rollers. 14.The cartridge of claim 13, wherein the cartridge is configured to beremovably mounted to a base frame of the conveyor comprising theconveyor bed that is defined by a plurality of conveyor belts, whereineach conveyor belt of the plurality of conveyor belts is configured tooperate in a direction along the conveyor bed with at least one of, asame speed, a different speed, a same acceleration, or a differentacceleration, at which a remaining conveyor belt of the plurality ofconveyor belts of respective cartridges is to be operated.
 15. Thecartridge of claim 13, wherein the cartridge comprises a cartridge framehaving a cartridge frame top and wherein the cartridge is configured tobe removably mounted to a base assembly of the conveyor by: positioningthe cartridge over a base frame of the base assembly so that thecartridge frame base is positioned at in a defined orientation over aportion of the base frame; engaging the cartridge frame base with thebase frame by a nut and bolt assembly; and engaging a T-bolt between thecartridge frame top of the cartridge and another cartridge frame top ofanother cartridge positioned adjacent to the cartridge on the conveyor.16. The cartridge of claim 13, further comprises an actuation assemblyhaving a sprocket wheel mechanically coupled to a ball bearing and ashaft of a drive pulley, wherein the sprocket wheel is configured to berotated by actuation of the actuation assembly that comprises: movementof a timing belt mounted around the sprocket wheel to cause rotation ofthe sprocket wheel, the ball bearing, and the shaft of the drive pulley.17. The cartridge of claim 13, wherein the cartridge is configured to beremovably mounted in the section of the conveyor based on engagement ofa cartridge frame base with a base frame so that roller-slider beddefined by the plurality of rollers of the cartridge aligns with aconveying surface defined by the conveyor bed of the conveyor.
 18. Thecartridge of claim 13, further comprising a conveyor belt tensioningassembly comprising a tensioning plate and tensioning bolt configured toadjust a tension of a set of conveyor belts mounted around theroller-slider bed.